STATEHOUSE - State Representative Dave Ober (R-Albion) congratulates the Renkenberger family from Noble County for receiving the Hoosier Homestead Award. The award was presented by Lt. Gov. Sue Ellspermann in the Farm Bureau Building at the Indiana State Fair.

The Hoosier Homestead Award Program recognizes farming families that have owned and operated the same farm for 100 years or more. Centennial awards were given for 100 years of ownership, while sesquicentennial and bicentennial awards were given for 150 and 200 years of ownership respectively.

The Renkenberger Farm has been in operation since 1877. The family received the Centennial award for over 100 years of ownership.

“The Renkenberger family should be extremely proud for receiving the Hoosier Homestead Award, which is no small accomplishment,” said Rep. Ober. “The agriculture industry plays a significant role in both our local and state economies, and it is because of dedicated Hoosier families like the Reckenberger’s that the industry has remained strong in Indiana.”

In 1976, the program was first established to acknowledge Indiana’s farming families that have made contributions to the economy, culture and the state’s overall advancement. Since the program’s inception, roughly 5,000 farms have been recognized for their dedication to Hoosier agriculture.

“The Reckenberger family has dedicated 137 years to farming, benefitting all Hoosiers, so I am grateful to represent such a hard-working family in our community,” said Rep. Ober. “Since their effort sometimes goes unnoticed, the Hoosier Homestead Award ceremony provides us with a great opportunity to recognize all the hard work done by Indiana’s most devoted farmers.”

Each year, two award ceremonies are held; one at the Statehouse in February and the other held at the State Fair in August. For more information on the Hoosier Homestead Award Program or to nominate at family for the award, visit www.in.gov/isda/2337.

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Rep. Ober represents all of Noble County and portion of Allen, Elkhart, LaGrange and Whitley counties.